Ok, so the title is a bit sexist. I am a man, and regardless of how many self-defense YouTube videos I watch, I know that if I am attacked, I will not remember any of it. I need a weapon to defend myself, my home, and my family. But, at this point in my life, I am not ready for a gun. I want to defend myself and my family using non-lethal weapons.
The best non-lethal weapon a woman can use for self-defense is a weapon that is easy to use, would inflict serious pain, and keep attackers far. Here is a list of non-lethal weapons a woman can use to defend herself:
- Carry Pepper spray, not mace.
- Carry a Taser, not a stun gun.
- Install a Panic App on your phone
- Carry a blinding flashlight
- Use a loud personal alarm
- Use Bear-repellent spray
- Wear a holster to easily access your spray and Taser
Too Close for Comfort:
A pocket knife may feel good in your hand and give you a sense of security. It may be a deterrent if you flash it at an approaching threat. But in order to use a pocket knife, a brass knuckle, or a tactical pen, the attacker has to be right in front of you. If you are not well trained in self-defense, you may not have a chance.
1. Get help: Panic Apps on Your phone
When you are in trouble, or you feel threatened, there is nothing better than getting professional help. You can call 911 (or your local emergency number), but you have to give details and your exact location. There are smartphone apps that deliver these very crucial details to the authorities.
There are many apps to choose from, but my favorite (available for iPhone and Android) is Noonlight. Here is why:
Unlike most apps where you have press a button to call for help, in Noonlight you have to release a button! Let me explain. If you are ever in a situation where you feel very uneasy or question whether it’s dangerous enough to call 911, do not worry yourself with indecision. Simply Press and hold the button in your Noonlight App. When you reach safety, release the button and enter your 4-digit pin. If your gut feeling was right, and you are in actual danger, or you are suddenly attacked, simply release the button and do not enter your pin, your local police will automatically be notified of your location and emergency.
There is a small monthly fee for the Noonlight app, but if you have to walk alone frequently at night on campus or parking lots, it might be well worth it.
2. Go after the ears: Personal Alarm
A very loud and high pitch noise does not only get people’s attention, but it can also be quite disorienting to an attacker. A loud personal alarm is ideal for places like a college campus. Look for personal alarms that are at least 120 decibels loud (a decibel is a unit of measuring sound), and is easy to use. Some can go on key chains, while others can go around your neck.
There are many examples out there, so do some research to pick the most appropriate one for you. Here is one that is 140 decibels loud! Give one to your loved ones
3. Go after the eyes: Flashlight
Have you ever had a bright light shine into your eyes as soon as you woke up? I have, and it blinds you for a minute before your eyes adjust. That is the concept behind flashlights as personal protection. If the flashlight is strong enough, it will blind the assailant and disorient them. How strong is strong enough? Look for flashlights that have 300 lumens (a unit to measure brightness) or more. Look for flashlights that have a strobe mode (flashes on and off repeatedly).
A flashlight that is 300 lumens or stronger can also be used to blind animals.
Here is an excellent 1000 lumen waterproof flashlight that you can get in multiple fashionable colors.
4. Go after the entire face: Pepper Spray NOT Mace
Pepper spray is also a chemical irritant that will cause inflammation of eyes, skin, and mucosa (the lining of the nose and mouth.) In short, it will make it difficult for the assailant to see and breath. This is your chance to escape.
Get a decent size pepper spray can. Make sure it contains at least 10 ‘sprays’ in it. Also, make sure it is rated for at least 10 feet. Lastly, check the expiration date. Remember, the key is to keep them as far away from you as possible. I personally chose Pepper gel (heavier substance to reduce the chance of blow back in your face if you spray into the wind). Here is a quick link.
Pepper spray and Mace are not interchangeable. They are quite different. Here is a short history: The Mace chemical (made by the Mace Company) is an irritating chemical similar to tear gas. It was quite popular, but the original chemical formulation was taken off the market because was not as effective as pepper spray, and it did not affect people under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Mace company still makes many other products, including pepper spray, but not the original Mace chemical.
5. Go after the entire body: Tasers NOT Stun Guns
So what is the difference? Both Tasers and stun guns use electricity to shock, pain, and incapacitate an attacker. However, for a stun gun to work, it has to be in direct contact with the person being shocked. A taser, on the other hand, can be aimed and shot from a distance up to 14 feet. Stun guns may be easier to carry around, but they are a last resort defense weapon because the attacker has to be right on top of you.
Not convinced yet? The vast majority of police officers and law enforcement –who are far more skilled in managing dangerous individuals- carry Tasers not stun guns. They want to stop danger while it is at least 6 feet away.
You will pay more for a Taser, but you will also get far more protection. Here is a link for a highly rated Taser gun (that has the great feature of linking with your Noonlight app if you wish). https://buy.taser.com/products/taser-pulse-plus?_pos=1&_sid=e72a47787&_ss=r
What about bear repellent spray? Isn’t that better than pepper spray?
If it is strong enough for a bear, it must be great to knock down criminals, right?! The surprising answer is: No! In fact, the chemical concentration in a bear spray is far less than the chemical concentration of (human) pepper spray. It is an irritant for humans, but less effective. The only advantage of bear spray over (human) pepper spray is that the bear spray cans shoot much further (about 25 feet) and cover a much wider area. Bear spray might be good to deter a crowd from coming at you, but not great.
How can I carry a non-lethal defensive weapon?
This is a very reasonable question. If you go for a morning jog, do you have to be burdened by your defensive weapon? How about when you go out for a nice dinner? Most companies sell special holsters or armbands that allow you to take and easily access your pepper spray or Taser gun. Remember that you do not know where danger lurks and if you want to make sure that you have your weapon at that moment.
Are Taser guns even legal?
Yes and no. It really depends where you live. If you live in the USA, both Taser guns and pepper spray are legal in most states. Here is a short guide (as of early 2019):
Tasers For civilians:
Illegal in Hawaii and Rhode Island
Require a permit in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Require a background check in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Minnesota.
Check your local laws.